Still

Still

The word, “still,” like life itself, is pregnant with possibility. On one end of the spectrum, it is the ultimate stillness of death; on the other, it is generational: still, life continues. The word “still” became for the author a synonym for the journey, with all of us riding in separate boats while traveling through the same body of water. In these poems we can acknowledge hard truths, the struggle that comes with change, knowing we are not alone. We can find solace and joy in nature, see how art and music can move us beyond ourselves, and be comforted by how we are all inextricably entwined. Along with disappointments, loss, and the unexpected, there is still love and abundance, choice, and room for praise. Mary Jo Balistreri is the author of two previous books, Joy in the Morning and gathering the harvest (Bellowing Ark Press) and a chapbook, Best Brothers (Tiger's Eye Press). She has published work in Grist, Parabola, Poetry East, Crab Creek Review, The Examined Life, The Healing Muse, Persimmon Tree, Journal of Modern Poetry, and many others. Her poems have nine Pushcart nominations and four Best of the Net. She is a founder of Grace River Poetry, an outreach for churches, women's shelters and schools. She lives in Wisconsin and Florida.